Radius Housing has officially begun work on the redevelopment of Belfast Foyer with our partners Simon Community, marking the beginning of a transformative £5 million investment that will create modern supported accommodation for young people in the heart of Belfast.
The project will see the comprehensive refurbishment and remodelling of the existing residential building, transforming 43 single unit bedspaces into a contemporary shared-living environment providing 33 high-quality new bedspaces. The new accommodation model will feature clusters, or "pods", of individual bedrooms alongside shared living spaces, creating a supportive community environment while maintaining residents' independence and privacy.
The £5 million scheme is being delivered with £3.35 million in grant funding from the DFC/NIHE and £1.65 million in private investment from Radius. Construction commenced on site on 31 March 2026, with completion anticipated in October 2027.
Located within walking distance of Belfast City Centre and adjacent to Botanic Gardens and Queen's University Belfast, the redevelopment will provide residents with easy access to education, employment, transport links, and a wide range of support services.
Belfast Foyer through the Simon Community has long played a vital role in supporting young people facing housing challenges, and the redevelopment will ensure the facility continues to meet changing needs through the provision of modern, high-quality accommodation designed to promote independence, wellbeing and opportunity.
The redevelopment forms part of Radius Housing's continued commitment to investing in high-quality housing and support services that strengthen communities and create opportunities for people across Northern Ireland.
“Today marks an important milestone for Belfast Foyer and for the many young people who will benefit from this investment in the years ahead. Belfast continues to face significant housing pressures, and we know that young people can be particularly vulnerable to homelessness, housing insecurity, and barriers to independent living. This redevelopment will provide modern accommodation in a supportive environment, helping residents build confidence, develop life skills and access opportunities that can transform their futures.
“At Radius, our mission is to ensure that people across Northern Ireland can live good lives in their communities, and that means responding to a broad range of housing and support needs. Belfast Foyer through our partner The Simon Community has a proud history of helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their potential, and this redevelopment will ensure that service can continue in a setting that is fit for the future. We are delighted to see work begin on a project that will make a lasting difference to the lives of many young people in Belfast.”
“All young people deserve a safe, stable place to call home and a space where they can grow, build confidence and flourish, but too many are missing that at a really important point in their lives.
This redevelopment is about putting that right. It’s about creating a modern, supportive environment designed around young people and what they need to move forward. Working in partnership with Radius Housing means we can create a safe, modern environment that truly reflects what young people need, and what they deserve, to move forward.
This partnership brings to life what we’re all about. It’s not just providing a bed, or a room, or a door – it’s giving young people the chance to build a future. We’re really looking forward to welcoming them back to a place that feels like home.”